Senior Propulsion Test Engineer

The Exploration Company; Bordeaux; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship where applicable

Job summary

The Exploration Company is building spacecrafts for humanity and is developing Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital vehicle. We seek a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to lead test activities, analyze propulsion systems, and ensure safe, efficient campaigns.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to plan, execute and document propulsion tests, while advancing technology for future missions and supporting rapid data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors, masters or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering, related field.
• Experience in propulsion testing or related propulsion fields.
• Hands-on engine testing experience and ability to interpret test data.
• Cryogenic propulsion knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute tests at engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance.
• Develop test plans/objectives and schedules; lead daily test operations and reports.
• Lead risk assessments and define mitigations to ensure safety during tests.
• Interpret P&IDs and generate test sequences balancing risk and test bench limits.
• Collaborate with development engineers, test bench, AIT, and external partners.
• Support rapid test data processing to guide campaigns and future tests.
• Define, develop and update test procedures and guidelines.
• Prepare technical documentation including procedures, reports and analyses.

Skills

propulsion chemistry

thermodynamics

fluid dynamics

engine testing

Education

Aerospace or mechanical engineering (Bachelors/Masters/PhD)

Tools

CAD software (Siemens NX/CATIA)

CEA and propulsion sims

Python

Job description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

We are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit, and which carries cargo – and potentially humans in the long run. We are also developing different types of propulsion systems to power our future vehicles and missions. As a talented Senior Propulsion Test Engineer, you will be responsible for the test and analysis of our future propulsion systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance.
• Developing test plans, test objectives and schedules consistent with requirements and timelines; leading daily test operations and generating test reports.
• Autonomously leading risk assessment analyses and defining mitigation actions to ensure personnel and hardware safety during all test campaigns.
• Interpreting P&IDs and generating test sequences, balancing the risk, needs of the test and the limits of the test bench and test article.
• Working hand in hand with development engineers, test bench team, AIT team and external partners to support all test operations on internal and external test facilities.
• Supporting rapid test data processing with component development engineers to guide the remainder of the test campaign and plan future test campaigns.
• Defining, developing and updating test procedures and guidelines to improve test operations.
• Preparing technical documentation, including detailed procedures, test reports, design reviews, and performance analyses.

What We Would Love To See From You

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (master's and above preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in propulsion testing or related fields.
• Proficiency in propulsion chemistry, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
• Proven hands-on experience with engine testing or equivalent.
• Background in cryogenic propulsion will be a big plus.
• Experience with commonly used simulation tools in propulsion testing (e.g., CEA).
• Proficiency in python programming language is a plus.
• Exposure to CAD Software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Why you should join us!

• We're Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We're Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It's a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.